My customer wanted
me to produce a three way mounting system for him to use for his trophy
Elk. First I place a normal hanger on the back board, a small slit would
later be made in the leather to accommodate this method to mount on the
wall. Then I added the mounting pedestal system for a free
standing mount that would swivel 360 degrees. At this point it could also
be placed on a wall using my quality steel lasered, powder coated, and
artistically fashioned ANIMALS IN MOTION SWING ARM

These photos are
a step by step procedure of creating a simple way of mounting a pedestal
mounted, or wall mounted animal using ANIMALS IN MOTION SWING ARM AND PEDESTAL
SYSTEMS.

"click photos" to
enlarge

I first start
out by attaching the level-rite post to my work bench.

1. After securing
the level-rite to the work bench, use a small amount of WD-40 on the post
to help slide the pieces together and ease in the swiveling motion.

2. Use a marker
to draw where the center point of the mount plate will be in the brisket
area. You should over size these lines slightly to be able to arrange tube
in the mounting plate to level the animal.

.

3. Using a saw,
cut a groove in the plywood back to accept the mounting plate tube inside
the form..

This
photo shows the mounting plate and one screw to temporarily attach and
level the form. I recommend mounting the bottom of the mounting tube to
be flush or protruding no more than 1/4" with the bottom of the brisket.
(If you are using this system on a flat back board, or previously mounted
animal, you should attach with the tube facing to the outside of the form)

4. shows the
reason to over size the groove to be able to level your form on the level-rite
pedestal. You may be off quite a bit when cutting this groove. So give
yourself ample room to level your mount.

5. Once you are
satisfied that your mount is level use the remainder of your mounting screws
to secure the back plate. You can now fill the groove with either foam,
or fiberglass body filler. Be careful not to get material into the
inner part of the tube. Until you get used to doing this step you may want
to place a little tape over the end of the tube..

6. Simply rasp
the excess foam and level the surface as needed.

7. Now you are
ready to return your mount to the level-rite mounting base. Attach your
antlers or horns, and prepare for mounting in your usual manor. As you
can see, your mount will swivel in a complete 360 degree motion. Thus the
name, ANIMALS IN MOTION MOUNTING SYSTEMS.

.

8. If your mount
tends to swivel while working on it, you can simply place some stop blocks
on either side of the brisket or shoulder to secure the swivel motion.

9. Be sure to
use plenty of hide paste to attach the skin in the brisket area. When you
have secured the skin in the proper position, simply use a knife, and trim
a small piece of skin from the mounting tub. Use staples or pins to hold
in place until dry.

.

10. You may want
to use a small piece of plastic to keep rust from forming on the brisket
of the animal if you are using the black painted level-rite. If you use
a powder coated level-rite version you will not need to use plastic.

11. After your
mount has dried, and you are getting ready to do your backing you may use
a small amount of foam or any other medium to level and feather the plate
to a smooth surface.

12. Now attach
your backing of preference and you are finished! Ready to place on a free
standing pedestal, or transfer onto an ANIMALS IN MOTION SWING ARM.

.

How to level
and attach the ANIMALS IN MOTION SWING ARM on the wall.........PREVIOUSLY
MOUNTED ANIMAL??? NO PROBLEM!These photos
below show the proper way to mount on a flat back, or previously mounted
animal. This way you can get that animal in the exact position (even in
a corner) that you have always wanted him to be looking into your room
using ANIMALS IN MOTION SWING ARM mounting system. ...